Framebuilder in Michigan?
 

Specifically anyone around Ann Arbor, MI who can switch out the drops on my mid-90's steel bianchi trofeo? I have a pair of new paulcomp drops ready to be subbed in - just need someone which the expertise to take off the original drops and replace them with the new ones.

Does anyone have the name/number of a competent welder/frame builder near me?

Thanks!
joey

The closest one to you is Matt Assenmacher in Swartz Creek, MI (near Flint). He is one of the grand masters that went to apprentice in England in the early seventies at Bob Jackson in Leeds. Mostly now he runs a retail store so I don't know how active he is in doing repairs. You can be assured he would do a good job if he could fit you in. He is a good painter too.

I'm on the west side of the state just above South Bend, IN (maybe 180 miles away?). Mostly I teach framebuilding classes so I don’t have time to do much more than repaints on frames I’ve made or paint student built frames. My assistant Herbie might be able to help you. Look at his work on flickr under Helm Cycles. PM me for more contact information.

Thank You! Ive contacted Matt through his website and he has responded. I also received a response from another more local framebuilder as well who offered to take a look. Hopefully Ill have some beautiful pics of my new ride before long!

Matt Assenmacher is a builder 'par exellance!'
Built us our first custom tandem way back in 1977. It was only the 3rd tandem he's ever built at that time.
Put 64,000 miles (correct number of zeroes!) on that great light weight machine . . .

Doug Fattic. http://www.classicrendezvous.com/USA/fattic_doug.htm Been around forever, does gorgeous work, and really puts some thought into his bikes.

SP
Bend, OR

J-quix, who did you find and do you think it will work out? I'm in Ann Arbor and I'm looking for some help, too; possibly a new fork build. I'd much rather work with a good local guy if possible.

Ralph Ellis of Ypsilanti Cycle emailed me - he is only about 15 minutes away and I'm bringing in my bike today to see what he thinks. Mr. Assenmacher gets rave reviews, and Mr. Fattic's bikes do look awesome, but the proximity of Mr. Ellis is a big plus. I'll keep you posted.

-j

Have you gone to speak to Ralph Ellis yet? How does it look?